Methods and apparatus for minimizing waste disposal space

ABSTRACT

A receptacle is fabricated to be folded prior to disposal to minimize waste disposal space. The receptacle includes a first portion including a plurality of fold lines and having a first surface area. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior to disposal such that the first portion has a second surface area. A fastening mechanism is attached to the receptacle on the first portion. The fold lines are formed to fold the receptacle such that the fastening mechanism maintains the receptacle in a folded position for disposal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application relates generally to receptacles and, moreparticularly, to receptacles which include fastening mechanisms.

[0002] Every year vast sums of money and resources are used to disposelarge quantities of waste and to educate the population on potentialwaste disposal problems. However, waste disposal is an increasingproblem since waste continues to be produced in large quantities. Commonhousehold goods that have a large volume or a large surface area whendisposed contribute to the problem. For example, discarding only a fewdisposable plates into a trash receptacle may quickly fill the trashreceptacle depending on the positions of the plates when placed withinthe trash receptacle. Additionally, discarding only a few commoncartons, such as tissue boxes or cereal boxes, may also quickly fill thetrash receptacle while wasting valuable waste disposal space.

[0003] To minimize the effect of the waste, rubbish compressingapparatuses compress the waste to a small volume prior to its disposal.Such apparatuses are expensive and require a power source. As a result,such apparatuses are not feasible for use when disposing of rubbishoutdoors, such as after a picnic, a fair, or a camping excursion.Additionally, to effectively utilize such an apparatus, the waste mustfirst be sorted to prevent damage to the apparatus. Furthermore, evenafter sorting, depending on the position of the rubbish during thecompacting operation of the apparatus, those goods having a largesurface area may not be compressed prior to disposal. As a result, wastedisposal costs remain high and waste disposal space continues to bewasted.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a receptacle is fabricated to befolded to minimize waste disposal space. The receptacle includes a firstportion including a plurality of fold lines and having a first surfacearea. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior todisposal such that the first portion has a second surface area. Afastening mechanism is attached to the receptacle on the first portion.The fold lines are formed to permit the receptacle to be folded suchthat the fastening mechanism fastens to maintain the receptacle in afolded position for disposal. As a result, waste disposal space in localtrash receptacles and in landfills is conserved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a receptacle including afastening mechanism;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle shown inFIG. 1;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a side view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1 folded fordisposal;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of areceptacle including a fastening mechanism;

[0009]FIG. 5 is a side view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 4 folded fordisposal;

[0010]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofa receptacle including a fastening mechanism; and

[0011]FIG. 7 is a view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 6 folded fordisposal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012]FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a receptacle 10 including afastening mechanism 12 and a first portion 14. FIG. 2 is a bottomperspective view of receptacle 10. First portion 14 is circular andincludes an outer border 16, a top surface 18, and a bottom surface 20.Top surface 18 is substantially planar and is bounded by a perimeter 22.Perimeter 22 extends circumferentially from an outer periphery 23 of topsurface 18 to outer border 16. Outer periphery 23 circumscribes firstportion 14 and defines a first surface area for first portion 14. In oneembodiment, receptacle 10 accommodates food products and is a plate.

[0013] First portion 14 also includes a plurality of fold lines 24. Inone embodiment, first portion 14 includes two fold lines 24.Alternatively, first portion 14 includes more than two fold lines 24.Fold lines 24 extend across first portion top surface 18 and permitreceptacle 10 to be folded prior to receptacle 10 being disposed. In oneembodiment, fold lines 24 extend through perimeter 22 to outer border 16and permit receptacle 10 to be folded in quarters. Fold lines 24 arestamped on receptacle first portion top surface 18 and are easilyvisible on first portion top surface. Alternatively, fold lines 24 aremachined, embossed, or molded with receptacle 10. In one embodiment,first portion bottom surface 20 is reinforced in areas 26 correspondingto areas in which fold lines 24 extend across first portion top surface18.

[0014] Fold lines 24 are formed such that when receptacle 10 is used,the structural integrity of receptacle 10 is maintained to preventinadvertent folding of receptacle 10. Additionally, fold lines 24 arefabricated such that when receptacle 10 is disposed, fold lines 24permit receptacle 10 to be folded such that first portion 14 has asecond surface area and such that fastening mechanism 12 is aligned. Inone embodiment, fold lines 24 are color-coded to be more visible. Inanother embodiment, receptacle 10 includes arrows to indicate directionsreceptacle 10 should be folded for disposal.

[0015] Fastening mechanism 12 is attached to receptacle first portionbottom surface 20 with an adhesive material. Alternatively, fasteningmechanism 12 is integrally formed with receptacle first portion bottomsurface 20. First portion bottom surface 20 is reinforced in areas 28and 30 surrounding fastening mechanism 12 to provide additionalstructural support to receptacle 10. Fastening mechanism 12 includes amale half 30 and a female half 32. Fastening mechanism female half 32 issized to receive fastening mechanism male half 30. Alternatively,fastening mechanism male half 30 is removably attached to fasteningmechanism female half 32. In one embodiment, receptacle 10 includes aplurality of fastening mechanisms 12 and each fastening mechanism 12 iscolor-coded.

[0016] Fastening mechanism 12 is attached to first portion bottomsurface 20 in close proximity to first portion top surface outerperiphery 23. Fold lines 24 are formed such that after receptacle 10 isfolded, fastening mechanism male half 30 is aligned to engage fasteningmechanism female half 32 to maintain receptacle 10 in a folded position(not shown in FIGS. 1 or 2).

[0017]FIG. 3 is a side view of receptacle 10 folded for disposal.Receptacle fold lines 24 (shown in FIG. 1) permit receptacle 10 to befolded such that receptacle first portion 14 has a second surface area.In one embodiment, the second surface area of receptacle first portion14 is smaller than the first surface area of receptacle first portion14. Receptacle fold lines 24 are formed such that when receptacle 10 isin a folded position, as shown in FIG. 3, fastening mechanism maleportion 30 is aligned to engage fastening mechanism female portion 32 tomaintain receptacle 10 in the folded position for disposal.

[0018] Fastening mechanism male portion 30 extends from receptacle firstportion bottom surface 20 a distance 40. Fastening mechanism femaleportion 32 includes an opening 42 sized to receive and engage fasteningmechanism male portion 30 such that receptacle 10 is maintained in afolded position for disposal. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 12is a snap fitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fasteningdevice or retaining device may be used which maintains receptacle 10 ina folded condition for disposal, including, but not limited tomechanical devices, interlocking devices, hook and pile fasteners, hookand loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets,tying systems, or clips.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle 100 including afastening mechanism 102 and a base 104. FIG. 5 is a side view ofreceptacle 100 folded for disposal. In one embodiment, receptacle 100accommodates food products, such as cereal. Alternatively, receptacle100 accommodates non-edible products, such as tissues. Base 104 issubstantially planar and has a substantially rectangular profile. Base104 includes a perimeter 106, an outer surface 108, and an inner surface(not shown). Perimeter 106 circumscribes base 104 and defines a firstsurface area for base 104. Receptacle 100 includes a left side 112, aright side 114, a front side 116, and a back side (not shown). A sidewall 118 extends substantially perpendicularly from base perimeter 106to a top (not shown). Side wall 118 extends between receptacle base 104and a receptacle top (not shown).

[0020] Base 104 is constructed substantially similarly with thereceptacle top, and both the top and base 104 also include a pluralityof fold lines 120. In one embodiment, base 104 includes three fold lines120. Fold lines 120 extend across base outer surface 108 from receptacleleft side 112 to receptacle right side 114, and from the receptacle backside to receptacle front side 116 to permit receptacle 100 to be foldedprior to being disposed. Fold lines 120 also extend across side wall 118between base 104 and the receptacle top. In alternative embodiments,fold lines 120 extend in a plurality of directions across side wall 118.Fold lines 24 are stamped on receptacle base 104 and are easily visibleon base outer surface 108. In alternative embodiments, fold lines 120are machined, embossed, or molded to receptacle 100.

[0021] Fold lines 120 are formed such that when receptacle 100 is used,the structural integrity of receptacle 100 is maintained to preventinadvertent folding of receptacle 100. Additionally, fold lines 120 areformed such that when receptacle 100 is to be disposed, fold lines 120permit receptacle 100 to be folded such that receptacle base 100 has asecond surface area and such that fastening mechanism 102 is aligned. Inone embodiment, fold lines 120 are color-coded to be more visible. Inanother embodiment, receptacle 100 includes arrows to indicatedirections receptacle 100 should be folded for disposal.

[0022] Fastening mechanism 102 is attached to receptacle base outersurface 108 with an adhesive material. An additional fastening mechanism102 is attached to an outer surface (not shown) of the receptacle top.Alternatively, fastening mechanism 102 is integrally fabricated withreceptacle base outer surface 108 and the receptacle top outer surface.Base outer surface 108 is reinforced in areas 128 and 130 surroundingfastening mechanism 102 to provide additional structural support toreceptacle 100. Fastening mechanism 102 includes a male half 132 and afemale half 134. Fastening mechanism female half 134 is sized to receivefastening mechanism male half 132. Alternatively, fastening mechanismmale half 132 is removably attached to fastening mechanism female half134. In one embodiment, receptacle 100 includes a plurality of fasteningmechanisms 102 and each fastening mechanism 102 is color-coded.

[0023] Fastening mechanism 12 is attached to base bottom surface 20 inclose proximity to receptacle side walls 118. Fold lines 120 are formedsuch that after receptacle 100 is folded, fastening mechanism male half132 is aligned to engage fastening mechanism female half 134 to maintainreceptacle 100 in a folded position. Fold lines 120 are also formed suchthat after receptacle 100 is folded, receptacle base 104 has a secondsurface area. In one embodiment, the second surface area of receptaclebase 104 is smaller than the first surface area of receptacle base 104.Receptacle fold lines 120 are formed such that when receptacle 100 is ina folded position, as shown in FIG. 5, fastening mechanism male portion132 is aligned to engage fastening mechanism female portion 134 tomaintain receptacle 100 in the folded position for disposal.

[0024] Fastening mechanism male portion 132 extends from receptacle baseouter surface 108 a distance 140. Fastening mechanism female portion 134includes an opening 142 sized to receive fastening mechanism maleportion 132 such that receptacle 100 is maintained in a folded positionfor disposal. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 102 is a snapfitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening device orretaining device may be used which maintains receptacle 100 in a foldedcondition for disposal, including, but not limited to mechanicaldevices, interlocking devices, hook and pile fasteners, hook and loopfasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tyingsystems, or clips.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a receptacle 200 including afastening mechanism 202 and a side wall 204. FIG. 7 is a side view ofreceptacle 200 folded for disposal. In one embodiment, receptacle 200accommodates food products, such as oatmeal. Alternatively, receptacle200 accommodates non-edible products. Side wall 204 is annular and has asubstantially circular cross-sectional profile. Side wall 204 includesan upper edge 206, a lower edge 208, a body 210 extending between upperedge 206 and lower edge 208, and an outer surface 209. Upper edge 208circumscribes a top 212 and lower edge 210 circumscribes a bottom 214.Side wall 204 has a first surface area extending between receptacle top212 and receptacle bottom 214. Receptacle top 212 and receptacle bottom214 are each substantially perpendicular to side wall 204.

[0026] Side wall 204 includes a plurality of fold lines 220 to permitreceptacle 200 to be folded prior to disposal. Fold lines 220 extendalong side wall outer surface 209 between receptacle top 212 andreceptacle bottom 214, and circumferentially around receptacle 200 alongside wall outer surface 209. Fold lines 220 also extend acrossreceptacle top 212 and the receptacle bottom. Fold lines 220 are stampedon receptacle 200. In alternative embodiments, fold lines 220 aremachined, embossed, or molded to receptacle 200.

[0027] Fold lines 220 are formed such that when receptacle 200 is used,receptacle 200 maintains its structural integrity to prevent inadvertentfolding of receptacle 200. Additionally, fold lines 220 are fabricatedsuch that when receptacle 200 is to be disposed, fold lines 220 permitreceptacle 200 to be folded such that receptacle side wall 204 has asecond surface area and such that fastening mechanism 202 is aligned. Inone embodiment, fold lines 220 are color-coded to be more visible. Inanother embodiment, receptacle 200 includes arrows to indicatedirections receptacle 200 should be folded for disposal.

[0028] Fastening mechanism 202 is attached to receptacle side wall outersurface 209 with an adhesive material. Alternatively, fasteningmechanism 202 is integrally fabricated with side wall outer surface 209.Side wall outer surface 209 is reinforced in areas 228 and 230surrounding fastening mechanism 202 to provide additional structuralsupport to receptacle 200. Fastening mechanism 202 includes a male half232 and a female half 234. Fastening mechanism female half 234 is sizedto receive fastening mechanism male half 232. Alternatively, male half232 is removably attached to female half 234. In one embodiment,receptacle 200 includes a plurality of fastening mechanisms 202 and eachfastening mechanism 202 is color-coded.

[0029] Fastening mechanism 202 is attached to side wall outer surface209 in close proximity to upper and lower edges 206 and 208. Fold lines220 are formed such that after receptacle 200 is folded, fasteningmechanism male half 232 is aligned to engage fastening mechanism femalehalf 234 to maintain receptacle 200 in a folded position. Fold lines 220are also formed such that after receptacle 100 is folded, receptacleside wall 204 has a second surface area. In one embodiment, the secondsurface area of receptacle side wall 204 is smaller than the firstsurface area of receptacle side wall 204. Receptacle fold lines 220 areformed such that when receptacle 200 is in a folded position, as shownin FIG. 7, fastening mechanism male portion 232 is aligned to engagefastening mechanism female portion 234 to maintain receptacle 200 in thefolded position for disposal.

[0030] Fastening mechanism male portion 232 extends from receptacle sidewall outer surface 209 a distance 240. Fastening mechanism femaleportion 234 includes an opening 242 sized to receive fastening mechanismmale portion 232 such that receptacle 200 is maintained in a foldedposition for disposal. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism 202 is asnap fitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fasteningdevice or retaining device may be used which maintains receptacle 200 ina folded condition for disposal, including, but not limited tomechanical devices, hook and pile fasteners, hook and loop fasteners,tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, orclips.

[0031] Receptacles 10, 100, and 200 include fold lines 24, 120, and 220,respectively, which permit receptacles 10, 100, and 200 to be foldedprior to disposal and each receptacles' fastening mechanism 12, 102, and202, respectively, maintains the folded position of each receptacle 10,100, and 200 for disposal. Accordingly, the folded position of eachreceptacle 10, 100, and 200 reduces an amount of waste disposal spaceutilized by each receptacle 10, 100, and 200 in local trash receptaclesand in landfills. In one embodiment, receptacles 10, 100, and 200 areused by bulk shippers including, but not limited to, food preparers,grocers, shippers, wholesalers, and similar other professions, tominimize disposal space following shipments of large quantities of itemsor bulk goods. In another embodiment, receptacles 10, 100, and 200 areused by food preparers including, but not limited to, hospitals, hotels,schools, and restaurants forced to serve food on disposable receptacleswhen dish washing facilities are not available. In a further embodiment,because receptacles 10, 100, and 200 are folded, any food remaining onreceptacles 10, 100, and 200 is contained in the folded receptacle,receptacles 10, 100, and 200 are used to increase hygienic practices byorganizations including, but not limited to, disaster and emergencyrelief agencies and the military. In another embodiment, receptacles 10,100, and 200 are used to facilitate clean-up practices by organizationsat sites including, but not limited to, national parks, entertainmentparks, sporting arenas, picnic areas, and concert venues. In yet anotherembodiment, receptacles 10, 100, and 200 are used in areas havinglimited disposal space or means including, but not limited to,automobiles, trains, planes, and buses.

[0032] The above described receptacle is cost-effective and reliable.Each receptacle includes a plurality of fold lines and a fasteningmechanism. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior todisposal. When discarded, the fastening mechanism maintains thereceptacle in a folded position, thus limiting an amount of wastedisposal space occupied by the receptacle within the trash receptacle.As a result, land fill space and waste disposal space is conserved.

[0033] While the invention has been described in terms of variousspecific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scopeof the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A receptacle comprising: a first portioncomprising a plurality of fold lines and a first surface area, saidplurality of fold lines disposed within said first portion andconfigured to permit said receptacle to be folded such that said firstportion comprises a second surface area; a fastening mechanism attachedto said receptacle first portion, said fastening mechanism configured tomaintain said receptacle in a folded condition.
 2. A receptacle inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said fastening mechanism comprises afirst portion and a second portion, said fold lines configured to foldsaid receptacle such that said fastening mechanism first portion engagessaid fastening mechanism second portion.
 3. A receptacle in accordancewith claim 2 wherein said fastening mechanism is integrally formed withsaid receptacle.
 4. A receptacle in accordance with claim 3 wherein saidsecond surface area is less than said first surface area.
 5. Areceptacle in accordance with claim 4 wherein said first portion furthercomprises a planar portion comprising a top surface and a bottomsurface, said top surface bounded by a perimeter extending from saidfirst portion, said fastening mechanism attached to said bottom surface.6. A receptacle in accordance with claim 5 wherein said fold linespermit said receptacle to be folded at least twice.
 7. A receptacle inaccordance with claim 6 wherein said fold lines permit said receptacleto be folded in quarters.
 8. A receptacle in accordance with claim 7wherein said receptacle accomodates food products.
 9. A receptacle inaccordance with claim 8 wherein said receptacle comprises a plate.
 10. Areceptacle in accordance with claim 4 wherein said receptacle furthercomprises a wall, said first portion comprising an outer perimeter, saidwall extending from said first portion outer perimeter.
 11. A receptaclein accordance with claim 10 wherein said first portion outer perimeteris circular, said wall extending circumferentially from said firstportion.
 12. A receptacle in accordance with claim 11 wherein said wallcomprises an outer surface and an inner surface, said fasteningmechanism attached to said outer surface.
 13. A receptacle in accordancewith claim 12 wherein said fold lines extend over said receptacle bottomand said receptacle wall.
 14. A receptacle in accordance with claim 13wherein said receptacle accomodates food products.
 15. A receptacle inaccordance with claim 10 wherein said bottom outer perimeter isnon-circular, said wall circumscribes said bottom.
 16. A receptacle inaccordance with claim 15 wherein said wall comprises an outer surfaceand an inner surface, said fastening mechanism attached to said outersurface.
 17. A receptacle in accordance with claim 16 wherein said foldlines extend over said container bottom and said container wall.
 18. Areceptacle in accordance with claim 17 wherein said receptacleaccomodates food products.
 19. A method for disposing a receptacle, thereceptacle including a first portion and a minimizing system, the firstportion having a first surface area, the minimizing system including aplurality of fold lines and a fastening mechanism, the fold linesdisposed within the first portion to permit the first portion to befolded to have a second surface area, the fastening mechanism attachedto the first portion to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition,said method comprising the steps of: folding the receptacle along thefold lines; using the fastening mechanism to maintain the receptacle ina folded condition; and disposing of the folded receptacle.
 20. A methodin accordance with claim 19 wherein the fastening mechanism includes afirst portion and a second portion, the fastening mechanism firstportion configured to engage the fastening mechanism second portion tomaintain the receptacle in a folded condition, said step of using thefastening mechanism further comprising the steps of: folding thereceptacle to align the fastening mechanism first portion with thefastening mechanism second portion; and fastening the second portion ofthe fastening mechanism with the first portion of the fasteningmechanism.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 20 wherein said step offolding the receptacle further comprises the step of folding thecontainer in quarters.
 22. A method for minimizing waste disposal spacewhen disposing receptacles, the receptacles including a first portionand a minimizing system, the first portion having a first surface area,the minimizing system including a plurality of fold lines and afastening mechanism, the fold lines disposed within the first portion topermit the first portion to be folded to have a second surface area, thefastening mechanism attached to the first portion to maintain thereceptacle in a folded condition, said method comprising the steps of:folding each receptacle along the fold lines; maintaining each foldedreceptacle in a folded condition; and disposing the folded receptaclesin a waste disposal location.
 23. A method in accordance with claim 20wherein the fastening mechanism includes a first portion and a secondportion, the fastening mechanism first portion configured to engage thefastening mechanism second portion after the receptacle is folded, saidstep of folding the receptacles further comprising the step of foldingthe receptacle such that the fastening mechanism first portion isaligned with the fastening mechanism second portion.
 24. A method inaccordance with claim 23 wherein the step of maintaining the foldedreceptacles further comprises the step of fastening the first fasteningmechanism portion with the second fastening mechanism portion.
 25. Amethod in accordance with claim 24 wherein the receptacle includes aplanar portion including a top surface and a bottom surface, the topsurface bounded by a perimeter for containing food on said top surface,the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface, said step offolding the receptacles further comprising the step of folding thereceptacle in quarters.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 23 whereinthe receptacle includes a planar portion including a top surface and abottom surface, the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface,said step of folding the receptacles further comprising the step offolding the receptacle such that the first portion of the fasteningmechanism attached to the bottom surface of the receptacle engages thesecond portion of the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surfaceof the receptacle.
 27. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein thereceptacle includes a bottom and a wall, the bottom substantially planarand including an outer perimeter, the wall extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the bottom outer perimeter, the wall including aninner surface and an outer surface, the fastening mechanism attached tothe outer surface, said step of folding the receptacles furthercomprising the step of folding the receptacle wall such that the firstportion of the fastening mechanism attached to the outer surface of thereceptacle wall engages the second portion of the fastening mechanismattached to the outer surface of the receptacle wall.
 28. A method formanufacturing a receptacle, the receptacle including a first portion anda fastening mechanism, said method comprising: forming a plurality offold lines within the first portion, the fold lines configured to permitthe first portion to be folded such that the first portion has a firstsurface area before folding the receptacle and a second surface areaafter folding the receptacle; and attaching a fastening mechanism to thefirst portion, the fastening mechanism configured to maintain thereceptacle in a folded condition.
 29. A method in accordance with claim28 wherein the step of forming a plurality of fold lines furthercomprises the step of configuring the fold lines such that the secondsurface area of the first portion is smaller than the first surface areaof the first portion.
 30. A method in accordance with claim 29 whereinthe step of attaching a fastening mechanism further comprises the stepsof: attaching a first half of the fastening mechanism to one location onthe first portion; and attaching a second half of the fasteningmechanism to a second location on the first portion.
 31. A method inaccordance with claim 30 wherein the step of attaching a fasteningmechanism further comprises the step of attaching the fasteningmechanism to the first portion such that the fastening mechanism firsthalf may engage the fastening mechanism second half after the receptacleis folded.
 32. A method in accordance with claim 31 wherein the step offorming a plurality of fold lines further comprises the step of formingthe fold lines to permit the fastening mechanism first half to engagethe fastening mechanism second half when the receptacle is in a foldedcondition.
 33. A method in accordance with claim 32 wherein thereceptacle further includes a wall, the first portion is substantiallyplanar and includes an outer perimeter, the wall extending from thefirst portion outer perimeter, said method further comprising the stepof forming a plurality of fold lines within the receptacle wall.
 34. Amethod in accordance with claim 33 wherein the wall includes an innersurface and an outer surface, said method further comprising the stepsof: attaching the fastening mechanism to the wall outer surface; andconfiguring the fold lines such that the fastening mechanism first halfengages the fastening mechanism second half.